Under G.L. c. 71A, the terms “sheltered English immersion” and
“structured English
immersion” are used interchangeably. They are defined as “an
English language acquisition process for young children in which
nearly all classroom instruction is in English but with the
curriculum and presentation designed for children who are learning
the language. Books and instructional materials are in English,
and all reading, writing, and subject matter are taught in
English.”
In effective sheltered English immersion classrooms, instruction
and curriculum are designed to permit active engagement by LEP
students throughout the school day. (From
http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/news03/FAQ_drft.pdf
)
Uxbridge is considered a low incidence district and as such
follows the following mandates from the DOE. Low-incidence
districts (districts in which most students are English
proficient) must provide sheltered English instruction for their
English learners unless they are enrolled in a two-way bilingual
program or have received a waiver.
ASSESSMENT: Student progress is assessed through informal tests
within the district. Districts are directed to study the ELL
benchmarks to gage progress toward fluency in English. A copy of
these benchmarks can be found at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/benchmark.pdf
In addition the state has developed two types of formal testing,
the MEPA and the MELO-O. The MEPA R/W is given to students in
Grades 3 and up. It includes reading and writing and is given in
the spring and in the fall during designated testing parameters.
The MELO-O, a speaking and listening test, is given to all
students from Kindergarten and up. Classroom teachers are trained
and administer the MELO-O in the fall to new students and in the
spring to all students in Grades 1-4.
Fall testing window for the MELO-O is October 3-31 and for the
MEPA R/W from October 23-31. The Spring testing window for the
MELO-O is February 12-March 16 and for the MEPA-R/W from March
12-March 16.
Uxbridge Public Schools has a district-wide ELL coordinator who
falls under the guidance of the Director of Pupil Personnel. A
detailed article on ELL can be found on page 2 at
http://www.uxbridgeschools.com/pdf_info/PPS_NEWSLETTER.pdf
In addition, Taft School has an ELL teacher who works with
students and teachers to maximize learning opportunities for the
English Language Learners. During the 2006-07 school year, all
classroom teachers will take a ten hour workshop during the
September and October professional development days in Sheltered
English Immersion.
CLICK HERE >>
for more information on English Language Learners.
16 Granite Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569
Telephone: 508-278-8643/Fax: 508-278-8646
